Getting from Milan to Lake Como: Best travel options

How to get from Milan to Lake Como

You can reach the lake from Milan by train, bus, or car, depending on your budget and preferred travel style. If you’re starting your day in central Milan, the train is your best option. Buses can be a handy alternative if you’re staying on the outskirts of the city, while renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the shoreline at your own pace. You can also head straight to the lake from one of the airports around Milan, though this might add an extra leg to your journey if you’re using public transport.

Train from Milan to Lake Como

Taking the train is one of the most popular ways for tourists to travel from Milan to Lake Como. If you’re keeping a close eye on the overall cost of a trip to Italy, relying on the local rail network is a budget-friendly choice. To map out your journey, visit the official Trenitalia website (trenitalia.com), where you can check train schedules and purchase tickets for both regional and high-speed trains.

Regional trains, called Regionale and operated by Trenord within the Lombardy region, are the more affordable option. However, sometimes they may take longer to bring you to your destination because they stop at smaller towns along the way. The fast Eurocity (EC) trains can often get you to your destination quicker, but they often cost double the price. So take a few minutes to weigh your options and always check the trip duration before you book your train ride.

Train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni station

Taking a train from Milan’s central station to Como San Giovanni station is the most popular way to reach Lake Como. Trains leave every 10 to 30 minutes, so you don’t need to stress about planning too far in advance. Your options are:

• Regional trains cost €5.20 and can take from 40 minutes to an hour and 20 minutes to bring you to Lake Como, depending on the specific line and the stops it makes.

• Eurocity trains cost €16, and the journey typically takes 39min to 46min.

Train from Milano Porta Garibaldi to Como San Giovanni station 

If you’re based near Milano Porta Garibaldi train station, you can also take a train from there. Trains leave for Como every half hour, giving you plenty of flexibility.

The main catch is that you can only take regional trains from Porta Garibaldi. Tickets cost the same €5.20, and the journey takes between 52 minutes and an hour, depending on which train you take.

Train from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago station

If you’re heading to the lake straight from sightseeing near Duomo or Sforza Castle, Milano Cadorna station is likely your most convenient starting point. Trains from here leave every 30 minutes and drop you off at Como Lago station — another station in the town’s center, just a two-minute walk from the lake. 

The majority of trains going this route are regional, though you can also catch an occasional high-speed train. However, there’s a paradox to keep in mind: Eurocity trains from this station take longer than regional ones!

• Regional trains cost €5.20 and take 1h 1min to the lake.

• Eurocity trains cost €16, and take 1h 46min to Lake Como.

Bus from Milan to Lake Como

Another option to go to Lake Como from Milan is to take a bus. The bus is a great backup plan if there are any unexpected issues with the railway, or if you happen to find a bus departure station closer to your accommodation. However, keep in mind that taking a bus means a longer journey, and there are fewer departures throughout the day compared to the trains.

If you want to look into this option, FlixBus and Itabus are the most popular providers for intercity travel. Depending on which one you choose, buses depart from Milano Lampugnano, Assago, or San Donato stations. Keep in mind that these hubs are located on the outskirts of Milan, so be aware that you might need to take a metro to reach them!

The bus ride to Lake Como from these outer stations takes anywhere from 50 minutes to nearly two hours. Ticket prices can fluctuate between €4.90 and €11.48, depending on the provider you choose, the specific route, and your departure time.  

Car from Milan to Lake Como

Driving to Lake Como puts you in control of your journey, which is the perfect option if you love flexibility and want to travel on your own schedule. The drive through north Italy is scenic, and you’ll have the freedom to add extra stops and turn your commute into a custom mini-road trip. The good news is that Milan offers a wide variety of car rental companies, ranging from major international brands to local Italian agencies.

The direct drive from central Milan to Lake Como takes about 50 minutes. However, before you jump into the car, you should consider some important logistics:

• Parking. Finding a parking spot by the lake can be very difficult during the peak tourist season.

• Rental Costs. Daily rental prices fluctuate anywhere from €15 to over €100, depending on the rental provider, the season, and the type of car you choose.

What is the best way to get from Milan to Lake Como? 

In most cases, taking the train is hands-down the best option to travel to Lake Como. It’s the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient route, with departures running roughly every half-hour. Plus, you can catch a train from three different stations across central Milan, so it’s easy to pick a starting point that fits your itinerary.

That being said, the bus is a great alternative if your accommodation is on the outskirts of Milan near one of the major bus hubs. It saves you the extra step of taking the metro into the city center just to catch a train. Meanwhile, a rental car is another great option if you prefer to avoid public transit altogether, want total scheduling freedom, and don’t mind spending a bit extra on rental fees and parking.

How to get from Milan airports to Lake Como

If Lake Como is your main destination, you’ll probably want to figure out the best way to get there right from the runway. The good news is that Milan’s airports are very well-connected, though in many cases you might need to make at least one transfer during your journey. So make sure to grab a SIM card for Italy once you land to easily track live platform updates and bus schedules.

From Malpensa airport (MXP) to Lake Como

The best way to travel from Malpensa airport to Lake Como depends on your landing time and how the transit schedules align. 

The most straightforward option is catching a direct FlixBus straight from the airport terminal to Como. The ride takes around 40 to 60 minutes, and ticket prices typically range from €8 to €17.

If you prefer traveling by rail, you can take a train from the airport to Saronno, where you will switch to a connecting train bound for Como Lago station. Trains depart every hour, and the entire journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, costing a flat rate of €12.20.

From Linate airport (LIN) to Lake Como

Linate is the closest airport to Milan’s city center, so the easiest way to reach Lake Como is to head into the city and catch a train from Milan central station. From the airport, you can hop on the Autostradale 144 shuttle bus directly to the station. Tickets cost €5 one way, the ride takes about 25 minutes, and the buses depart every hour.

Alternatively, you can use Milan’s underground metro system. However, Linate sits on the M4 line, which doesn’t run directly to the central station, so you’ll need to make a transfer to reach Milano Centrale. Depending on where you choose to transfer, you can switch to another metro line, a tram, or a city bus. A standard 90-minute public transit ticket costs €2.20, and the entire trip into the city center takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

From Bergamo airport (BGY) to Lake Como

Bergamo Airport is technically the least convenient hub for reaching Lake Como using public transit. However, it’s famous for budget flights, so it’s a classic case of “you win some, you lose some.” 

The most reliable strategy here is to take an express shuttle bus from the airport to Milano Centrale, and then catch a train to Como from there. The airport shuttles run every half hour, cost around €10, and take approximately 50 minutes. Once you add 40 to 80 minutes for the train ride from Milan to Como, your total travel time will sit right around one and a half to two hours.

How long does it take to travel from Milan to Lake Como?

The distance between Milan and Lake Como is just 52 kilometers, but your actual travel time will depend on a few key factors. Your chosen transport, your departure point, and the time of day you travel can all impact how quickly you arrive.

To help you map out your itinerary for Italy, here is a quick breakdown of likely travel times with different means of transport:

How to travel around Lake Como

Once you arrive in Como, you have several options for getting around. If you’re worried about not having a car to explore the surroundings, you can rest easy! The area is highly accessible using public transit, so you don’t need your own wheels to have an amazing trip.

By far the most popular way to travel is by ferry. During the peak season, you can hop on a ferry from Como to the lake’s central spots of Bellagio and Varenna, or head all the way up north to Colico. You can also catch a ferry from Bellagio down the eastern leg of the lake to Lecco. Beyond the incredible views, the ferry is highly practical because it bypasses the lake’s narrow roads and heavy traffic in high season. Single tickets range from €3 to €14.50, depending on the length of your journey.

Another option is the local bus network, which is primarily operated by ASF Autolinee on the western side of the lake and Linee Lecco on the eastern side. The lakeside towns are very well-connected, and one-way fares cost between €3.30 and €6, depending on your destination. If you plan on hopping on and off throughout the day, you can grab a day pass for €10 to €12, depending on the season. 

How to buy train, bus, and ferry tickets 

Navigating public transit is easy once you know the ropes. Find out how you can buy tickets for the three main commuting options during your trip to Como. 

Trains 

• Online. Book directly through the official Trenitalia or Italo websites and apps.

• At the Station. Use the self-service, touch-screen kiosks (Trenitalia’s machines are green) or visit a ticket window. If you get a paper train ticket, don’t forget to stamp and validate it in the yellow machine by the train!

Buses

• Intercity buses. It’s best to buy the tickets from FlixBus or Itabus online in advance or at the bus company’s dedicated ticket counter at the station.

• City buses. You can pick up paper tickets at Tabaccherie (look for a big “T” sign), newsstands, or vending machines at bigger stations. Just don’t forget to stamp and validate your ticket in the designated machine on the bus. You can also tap your contactless card or phone on the onboard reader, or use local transit apps, such as the ATM Milano Official App for Milan or Arriva MyPay for Como.

Ferry

• Online. You can purchase ferry tickets for Como, Garda, and Maggiore lakes ahead of time on the official Navigazione Laghi website (navigazionelaghi.it).  

• At the ports. You can buy tickets on-site at the ticket offices located right by the ferry docks.

• On board. If you board from a smaller, unstaffed pier that doesn’t have a ticket office, you can purchase your ticket directly on the boat at no additional cost.

How to go back from Lake Como to Milan

You can return to Milan by train, bus, or car, but taking a direct train is likely your best option. This way, you can avoid traffic jams in peak season and return straight to a central Milan location. 

Depending on where you’re staying by the lake, you can catch a direct train from: 

• Como town. Head to the Como San Giovanni station, which connects directly to both Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi.

• Varenna. The city is located further up the lake, and if you board a train from Varenna-Esino station, you can go straight to Milano Centrale.

Milan to Lake Como travel tips

A trip from Milan to Lake Como is a simple one — it typically requires a single train, bus, or a pretty short car ride. However, to turn a good day trip into a flawless one, keep these insider tips in mind:

• Beat the crowds by starting early. Because of its gorgeous scenery and proximity to Milan, Lake Como is incredibly popular. Heading out early will let you skip the longest lines, beat the midday crowds, and catch the best morning light.

• Book your tickets in advance. Peak season means packed trains, buses, and ferries. Secure your transit tickets ahead of time so you’re not left standing on the platform.

• Carry some cash. While digital payments are widely accepted across Italy, having a few euros in your pocket is great for buying market souvenirs, grabbing a quick espresso, or handling minor emergencies. 

• Explore travel by ferry. Probably the best way to experience Lake Como is by ferry. The water routes are well-established and offer stunning panoramic views as they connect the lake’s most iconic towns. 

• Stay connected on your trip. Navigating maps, checking ferry schedules, and looking up restaurants on the go requires reliable data. Instead of hunting for café Wi-Fi, grab an eSIM for Italy before your trip. Saily offers flexible data plans starting from as little as €3.49 — simply download the eSIM app, activate your plan, and browse freely without worrying about unexpected roaming fees.